1/7/24 - The Nahri Institute Inspires at NESA’s First Nations Employment Summit

At the heart of NESA’s First Nations Employment Summit, held at the Pullman in Cairns, was a powerful message of action, empowerment, and strategic change. Among the standout moments of the event was the keynote presentation by Paul Paulson, CEO and Founder of The Nahri Institute, whose deep insights into bridging the gap in employment outcomes for First Nations Australians left a lasting impact on the delegates.

Paul Paulson’s Keynote: A Call to Action

As a leader and advocate for Indigenous education and employment, Paulson’s keynote centred on the urgent need to address the persistent gaps in career and futures planning for First Nations youth. He highlighted the importance of holistic approaches to education and employment transitions, emphasising that the challenges facing Indigenous students as they move from school to the workforce require more than just career advice—they demand a deep, structural shift in how organisations engage, support, and empower these young people.

Drawing on his extensive experience leading The Nahri Institute, which focuses on Indigenous best practices in education and employment, Paulson outlined actionable strategies for government agencies, educational institutions, and employment services to ensure First Nations Australians are given equal opportunities to thrive in the workforce. “It’s not just about closing the gap,” he said. “It’s about creating a future where that gap no longer exists.”

Paulson’s presentation resonated deeply with the audience, sparking conversations around sustainable solutions to longstanding issues. His emphasis on cultural competency and the role of Indigenous-led approaches in policy and practice provided a fresh perspective, urging attendees to rethink how they approach education and career transitions for Indigenous youth.

Greg’s Workshop: Practical Strategies for Real Change

Complementing Paulson’s keynote was a practical, hands-on workshop facilitated by Greg, one of Nahri’s leading education consultants. Focused on equipping agencies with tools to support the transition from school to employment, Greg’s workshop provided tangible strategies that organisations can implement immediately.

The workshop addressed key challenges faced by First Nations youth, particularly in rural and remote communities, and explored how education providers and employment services can work together to create a seamless pathway into the workforce. Greg’s expertise in career planning and his extensive work with Indigenous communities shone through as he guided participants through scenario-based learning and problem-solving exercises.

Participants walked away with a deeper understanding of how to develop culturally responsive career programs, and the importance of partnerships between schools, businesses, and community organisations in creating long-term, impactful solutions.

A Shared Commitment to Future Generations

The collaboration between The Nahri Institute and NESA at this summit underscores a shared commitment to advancing the careers of First Nations Australians. The summit itself served as a platform for meaningful discussions, collaborations, and commitments to support the next generation of Indigenous leaders, workers, and entrepreneurs.

Paul Paulson’s keynote and Greg’s workshop reflected The Nahri Institute’s mission of empowering First Nations communities through education and employment, laying the groundwork for agencies to bridge the gap that continues to affect Indigenous Australians as they transition from school to the workforce.

As Paulson powerfully concluded in his address: “We must not just look at the finish line, but at every step of the journey.”

Looking Ahead

With the strategies and discussions from the summit now circulating among delegates, the hope is for these ideas to be transformed into action. Agencies and organisations present at the event are now better equipped to engage with First Nations communities, fostering environments where career planning and employment opportunities are more accessible and equitable.

The Nahri Institute remains committed to leading this charge, continuing to advocate for long-term, sustainable change for First Nations Australians. This summit was a critical step forward, and with continued collaboration between agencies like NESA and thought leaders like Paul Paulson and Greg, the future looks brighter for Indigenous students transitioning into the workforce.